K9 Duke – Barron, Wisconsin

Died 3/11/25
Handler – Nathan Emmons

Former Barron K9 passes away

Retired Barron Police K9 Officer, Duke, died Tuesday, March 11, 2025 after a short battle with cancer. Duke was the partner of retired Barron Police K9 Handler, Nathan Emmons.Duke joined the Barron Police Department in October 2016. Duke faithfully served the City of Barron as a patrol and narcotic detection K9. Duke was an amazing dog and loved to work. During his career, Duke had many successful narcotic finds. Because of his ability in detection work, he assisted other agencies when called upon. In his career he assisted the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Rice Lake Police Department, Turtle Lake Police Department, and a correction facility.At the correction facility, Duke alerted on part of a pen sitting on a table. It had white residue in it, which later tested positive for Methamphetamine. Duke also had several successful “tracks”, locating suspects and missing people. Duke was also an ambassador to help other small communities see the benefits of having a K9 program.Duke had an amazing personality. He touched the lives of many in our community and beyond. He was especially good at helping calm children having difficult days at school. Duke was a great ambassador for the Barron Police Department and helped build a positive relationship with our community. Whether it was National Night Out, organizations (4H, Kiwanis, etc.) or schools, Duke was always ready to showcase his abilities by demonstrating his many skills. Duke enjoyed all the attention he got in return. Duke became a celebrity during Covid-19. For several weeks, a picture of Duke from around town was posted on the Barron Facebook page for people to guess where he was. The response to this was overwhelming.Duke retired in December 2021. After a couple months of adjustment, Duke settled into his new role as a family pet and part of the Emmons family. Duke never stopped his job of having Officer Emmons’ back wherever they went. Duke enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. Duke was a faithful and loyal dog until his death.The Emmons family would like to thank the community of Barron and Barron County for their incredible support for us and the K9 program of the Barron Police Department. The Barron Police Department was blessed with two incredible police K9’s during the 12 years of the program. Blitz and Duke will be missed but never forgotten.

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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